Benjamin Gilani Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Height, Movies, TV Shows, Plays

Benjamin Gilani is a distinguished Indian actor, theatre director, and television host renowned for his impactful roles in Hindi cinema, television, and stage productions.

His portrayal of Jawaharlal Nehru in Sardar (1993) and his contributions to theatre through Motley Productions have solidified his legacy in the Indian entertainment industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Benjamin Gilani
• Stage Name: Benjamin Gilani
• Born: November 20, 1946
• Age: 78 years old
• Birthplace: Dhariwal, Gurdaspur, Punjab, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Actor, Theatre Director, Television Host
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Gilani
• Siblings: Not known
• Spouse: Kushal Patel
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million USD

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Gilani, an accomplished actor, theatre director, and television host, was born on November 20, 1946, in Dhariwal, Gurdaspur, Punjab, India.

Raised in a family of Kashmiri descent with roots tracing back to Gilan, Iran, he grew up under the care of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gilani.

He attended Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, where he developed an early interest in literature and drama.

He pursued a postgraduate degree in English Literature from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, where he also taught briefly.

Furthering his passion for acting, Benjamin enrolled at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, graduating in 1972 alongside notable classmates Naseeruddin Shah and Tom Alter.

His ethnicity is Indian, and he follows Christianity.

Career

Benjamin Gilani, a versatile actor, theatre director, and television host, began his career in theatre, co-founding Motley Productions in 1977 with Naseeruddin Shah and Tom Alter.

Their debut play, Waiting for Godot, premiered at Prithvi Theatre on July 29, 1979, and was revived in 2009 to mark the group’s 30th anniversary.

His stage work includes acclaimed performances, such as Estragon in Waiting for Godot at the Doon School in 2011.

Benjamin entered Bollywood with Devata (1978) as Shekhar and went on to deliver notable performances in films like Junoon (1978) as Rashid Khan, Mirch Masala (1985) as the School Master, and Sardar (1993) as Jawaharlal Nehru.

His recent film roles include Maharaja Chhatrasal in Bajirao Mastani (2015), Ghulam Sarwar Bhat in Laila Majnu (2018), and a role in Music School (2023).

On television, he has appeared in iconic Doordarshan serials like Kathasagar (1985–1987), The Great Maratha (1993–1994) as Nawab Shuja Ud Daula, and Aamrapali (2002) as Aamrapali’s father.

He hosted Disney Q Family Mastermind (2013) and featured in web series such as Guilty Minds (2022) as Munnawar Quaze and Hush Hush (2022) as Baldev.

His upcoming projects include The Diplomat (2025) and TV series Bombay Meri Hai and Raahat.

Social Media

• Benjamin Gilani does not have social media

Personal Life

Benjamin Gilani, an esteemed actor, theatre director, and television host, is married to Kushal Patel, though the date of their marriage is not publicly known.

The couple has no children.

Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing approximately 75 kg, Benjamin maintains a healthy physique.

He is known for keeping his personal life private, focusing on his professional endeavors.

His aunt, Kalpana Kartik, was a noted actress, adding to his family’s artistic legacy.

Filmography

Films

• Devata (1978) – Shekhar
• Junoon (1978) – Rashid Khan
• Plot No. 5 (1981) – Rahul
• Kalka (1983) – Dr. Pai
• Mirch Masala (1985) – School Master
• Damad Chahiye (1985) – Vinod Singhal
• Sardar (1993) – Jawaharlal Nehru
• Abhay (1994) – Supporting Role
• Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) – Film Director
• Barah Aana (2009) – Mr. Mehta
• 8 x 10 Tasveer (2009) – Jatin Puri
• Game (2011) – Mr. Khanna
• The Coffin Maker (2013) – Jose
• Rise of the Zombie (2013) – Dr. Dave Parker
• Bajirao Mastani (2015) – Maharaja Chhatrasal
• BHK Bhalla@Halla.Kom (2016) – C.P. Badlani
• Cute Kameena (2016) – Supporting Role
• Laila Majnu (2018) – Ghulam Sarwar Bhat
• Haaye Dil (2018) – Supporting Role
• Music School (2023) – Supporting Role
• The Diplomat (2025) – Upcoming Role

Television

• Batain Filmon Ki (1982) – Anchor (DD National)
• Kathasagar (1985–1987) – Various Roles
• The Great Maratha (1993–1994) – Nawab Shuja Ud Daula (DD Metro)
• Tara (1993–1997) – Prithvi (Zee TV)
• Anand (1993) – Anand
• Rishtey (1993) – Supporting Role
• Tujhpe Dil Qurbaan (1993) – Supporting Role (Sony)
• Aamrapali (2002) – Aamrapali’s Father (Doordarshan)
• Sahib Biwi Gulam (2004) – Supporting Role (Sahara One)
• Junoon (2004) – Supporting Role (DD National)
• Bhootnath (2004) – Bhootnath
• Hotel Kingston (2005–2006) – Govind Sahai
• Bunty Bubbly Ki Mummy (2011–2012) – Prashant
• Shama (2011) – Jamaal
• Kaun (2011) – Supporting Role
• Disney Q Family Mastermind (2013) – Host
• Ank Ajoobe (2013) – Supporting Role (Doordarshan)
• Sunsilk Real FM (2014) – Rhea’s Father (TV Movie)

Web Series

• Guilty Minds (2022) – Munnawar Quaze (Amazon Prime Video)
• Hush Hush (2022) – Baldev (Amazon Prime Video)

Net Worth

Benjamin Gilani, a veteran actor, theatre director, and television host, has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $2 million USD (₹8–15 crores INR). His income is derived from his extensive career in film, television, and theatre, as well as his work as a theatre director with Motley Productions.